More Diabetics Likely to Develop Diabetic Retinopathy Today

ALBUQUERQUE, NM, September 24, 2010 (Press-News.org) Researchers from the Centers for Disease control and Prevention analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2005 and 2009 and released an updated study showing around 30% of diabetics in the U.S. over the age of 30 may have diabetic retinopathy. Four percent of this group is in danger of losing the vision. Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness of people between the ages of 20 and 74, and costs the U.S. roughly $500 million a year.

The CDC updated the study from one done ten years ago, and shoes that the number of people suffering from diabetic retinopathy is 40% higher than the earlier study covering the years 1988 to 1994. The number of people threatened by diabetic retinopathy has increased 250%, according to the study.

Dr. Arthur Weinstein of Eye Associates of New Mexico and a member of eyes.com, says, "This study shows that people who are diabetic need to be vigilant about having their eyes checked annually. Diabetic retinopathy can be treated if it is detected early."

Eye patients most likely to develop diabetic retinopathy are diabetic men who use insulin, have high levels of hemoglobin A1c, and those with high systolic blood pressure. Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic blacks are more likely to develop diabetic retinopathy than are whites.

For more information about Eye Associates of New Mexico in Albuquerque or one of their other New Mexico locations, please visit their website at www.eyenm.com today. To research a particular vision disorder, eye condition, or any other eye care topic, please visit www.eyes.com today.

About Eye Associates of New Mexico

Eye Associates of New Mexico was founded in 1976. Over the past 33 years, it has grown into one of the largest comprehensive eye care practices in the country. Today, Eye Associates of New Mexico has 14 clinic locations across the state staffed by 40 ophthalmologists and optometrists who provide services such as LASIK, cataract surgery, and eye examinations. Their highly trained board certified eye care professionals specialize in the treatment of retinal disease, corneal disease, pediatric ophthalmology, neuro-ophthalmology, glaucoma, oculoplastics, cataract surgery, refractive errors and primary eye care.